Award-winning pianist and Steinway Artist Robert Mitchell is set to perform at the University of Ulster’s Coleraine campus.
He will perform with David Lyttle on drums and Damian Evans on bass, following the popular response to his performance in Lyttle’s ‘Dark Tales’ suite at the University last year.
The trio will present a programme of exciting, original music in the jazz vein with influences from the classical and folk worlds.Robert Mitchell has forged a reputation as a gifted pianist and composer. He has played and recorded with many leading international artists including Norma Winstone, Steve Williamson and the renowned English jazz musician and multi-instrumentalist Courtney Pine CBE. His new trio recording ‘The Greater Good’ recently received ‘Best Jazz Album 2009’ at the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards. Since 2003, he has been a Visiting Composer at the Royal Academy of Music Jazz Department where he also teaches and examines on the jazz course. He is also on the judging panel for the Nottingham International Jazz Piano Competition 2010.
Since his last appearance in Coleraine Robert has become a Steinway Artist. He said: “The potential creativity on these instruments is limitless. I am delighted to be returning to the University of Ulster to perform on the beautiful Steinway piano in the superb acoustic environment in the Octagon alongside David and Damian.”
Robert Mitchell is the latest in a group of leading British and American jazz musicians who have come to Ireland especially to work with University of Ulster graduate David Lyttle. Robert and David are also set to record a CD together.
Lyttle is widely recognized as one of Ireland’s leading jazz performers and as a skilled composer. Since graduating he has performed professionally all ober the world with some of the world’s finest musicians including singer Jacqui Dankworth, saxophone giant Jean Toussaint and MOBO award-winning saxophonist and rapper Soweto Kinch.
In recent times the drummer/composer has also received accliam for his merging of jazz and literature, first with his interpretation of Dickens' ‘A Christmas Carol’, and then his Dark Tales suite, which will be recorded and released this year.
Originally from Australia Damian Evans now resides in Dublin and is one of the most sought-after musicians on the Irish jazz circuit.
The trio can be seen in the Octagon, University of Ulster, Coleraine at 8pm on Monday 8 March. Tickets can be purchased in advance in the Cultural Development Office, Coleraine campus or at the door on the evening. For further information or to book please phone Cultural Development on: 028 7032 4449.